Red Cross appeals for new “digital volunteers”
Volunteering from home — sound too good to be true?
The American Red Cross is looking for volunteers who are savvy in the social media space to join its team. These new Digital Volunteers will live-Tweet during severe weather, as well as create blog posts, upload photos and smartphone video and help the organization listen and respond to community questions and concerns.
“Our goal is simple. We want to get the timeliest information about disasters to the community,” American Red Cross of Central Texas spokesperson Bristel Bowen said. “And because disasters happen 24/7, we need volunteers to help us get information out, and to respond to the community as they have questions about how to help, where to go, etc.”
Training is provided free of charge. The first course takes place from 6-9 p.m. July 22 at the American Red Cross-Central Texas chapter at 2218 Pershing Drive in Austin; the course can be taken in person or online. To learn more visit www.redcross.org/tx/austin/volunteer/application and reference “digital volunteer” or call the chapter at 512-929-1237.
Hays County Sheriff offers fall Citizens Academy
Ever wondered why the Hays County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) does things the way it does? Join the citizens academy and learn more about the inner workings of the department. The program includes 13 weeks of instruction by Hays County Sheriff’s Office staff as well as external guess speakers.
The instructors are the supervisors, deputies, and correction officers who work in the areas being taught, and their instructions will give participants insight into the day-to-day operations of the sheriff’s office. In return, instructors receive direct feedback from the class participants on what effect the sheriff’s office has on their lives.
Class hours are 6-9 p.m. on Thursdays. Some activities will take place on a Saturday, including tactical police driving and firearms. Students will have the opportunity to see demonstrations by the Hays County SWAT Team, Crisis Negotiations Team, Narcotics Task Force, K-9 units, tours of the Hays County Law Enforcement Center and Corrections Complex, Communications Center, Juvenile Detention Center, and Government Center. Students will also have the opportunity to ride along with a deputy as an observer during their regular shift.
Applicants must fill out an application and consent to a background check.
Class size is limited to 24 applicants. Those persons with felony convictions, or who are currently on probation, and anyone who has been convicted for any offense involving moral turpitude are not eligible. Applicants must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and either reside in Hays County.
Graduates of the academy are encouraged to become a member of the Hays County Citizens Sheriff’s Academy Alumni Association. Alumni members are often called upon to assist HCSO with special events and projects. Other service opportunities with the HCSO also exist, including Community Emergency Response Team, Volunteers In Policing Service, Victims Assistance and Junior Deputy Academy.
Applications can be picked up at the HCSO on Uhland Rd.in San Marcos or by emailing Deputy Stephen Traeger at [email protected].
